Edged in Blue: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Odyssey with Rory Gallagher
Edged in Blue: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Odyssey with Rory Gallagher - By Dónal Gallagher
Publication date: 25th September 2026 Format: Hardback
This is the story of Ireland’s original rock star, and an eyewitness account of a golden age in live music.
Foreword by Joe Bonamassa
Rory Gallagher was the original Irish rock star musician, whose artistry with a road-worn ’61 Fender Stratocaster became the stuff of legend. He was an icon, and one of the hardest touring musicians of his era. Yet away from the stage, Rory was an intensely private man; his closest confidante was his brother, Dónal, who accompanied Rory on his extraordinary musical odyssey. Thirty years after Rory’s death, Dónal is committing his legacy to paper.
Through the decades, Dónal was at his brother’s side to witness his journey from the Irish showband circuit to the global stage. The road to success was never dull: Dónal dodged a stampeding bull at one memorable gig, and had to fight through tear gas, rioting crowds and flames to save Rory’s beloved Stratocaster at another. Their adventures took them from bomb-shattered Belfast all the way to Tasmania over thirty years on the road. Twenty-five tours across America and Canada had them rubbing shoulders with the biggest rock bands of all time. Rory was hailed by his peers from John Lennon to Muddy Waters, and the ‘people’s guitarist’ would inspire musicians such as Brian May of Queen, The Edge of U2, Slash of Guns N’ Roses, Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Joe Bonamassa and Ed Sheeran.
Edged in Blue offers a definitive first-hand account of Rory’s extraordinary life and captures a singular era of live music that audiences are now desperate to relive.
'Donal has given all of Rory’s fans a unique, sometimes hilarious and sometimes sad vision of life with the original of all Irish rock stars … The book brings me back to Rory's amazing live gigs which enthralled thousands for rarely less than 3 full hours.'
Brian Kerr, Irish football manager
About the Authors:
Dónal Gallagher was born in Derry, Ireland in 1949. He was by his brother Rory's side through his life and career. He currently lives between London, the UK and Cork, Ireland with his wife Cecilia.
Jamie Dickson is editor-in-chief of Guitarist Magazine and has interviewed many of the most influential guitar players in history, from B.B. King to Roger McGuinn. He has written extensively on Rory Gallagher's music, and lives in Glastonbury with his wife and two children.
